🔒 Privacy Policy

1. Information We Collect

1.1 Personal Information

Merge CSV does not collect any personal information from users. We do not require registration, login, or any form of personal identification to use our service.

1.2 File Data

Your CSV files are processed entirely in your browser using client-side JavaScript. We do not upload, store, or transmit your files to our servers or any third-party services. All file processing happens locally on your device.

1.3 Usage Analytics

We may use web analytics services (such as Google Analytics) to understand how users interact with our website. This may include:

• Pages visited and time spent on the site
• Browser type and version
• Operating system
• Referring website
• General geographic location (country/city level)
• IP address (anonymized)

2. How We Use Information

2.1 Service Provision

Since our tool operates entirely in your browser, no data is sent to our servers for processing. Your files remain on your device at all times during the merging process.

2.2 Website Improvement

We use analytics data to:

• Improve user experience and website functionality
• Understand user preferences and usage patterns
• Identify and fix technical issues
• Optimize website performance

3. Data Security

3.1 Client-Side Processing

All file processing occurs within your browser using JavaScript. This means:

• Your files never leave your device
• No data is transmitted over the internet
• No server-side storage or processing occurs
• You maintain complete control over your data

3.2 Website Security

Our website uses industry-standard security measures including:

• HTTPS encryption for all communications
• Regular security updates and monitoring
• Secure hosting infrastructure

4. Third-Party Services

4.1 Analytics Services

We may use Google Analytics to track website usage. Google Analytics may collect information about your visit, but this data is anonymized and aggregated. You can opt-out of Google Analytics tracking by using browser extensions or adjusting your browser settings.

4.2 Advertising

We may display advertisements through Google AdSense or other advertising networks. These services may use cookies and similar technologies to show relevant ads based on your browsing behavior across different websites.

4.3 Content Delivery Networks (CDN)

We use CDN services to deliver website assets efficiently. These services may log basic technical information such as IP addresses and request details for performance and security purposes.

5. Cookies and Local Storage

5.1 Essential Cookies

Our website may use essential cookies required for basic functionality, such as maintaining your session and preferences.

5.2 Analytics Cookies

Third-party analytics services may place cookies to track website usage and performance.

5.3 Advertising Cookies

Advertising partners may use cookies to show personalized ads and measure ad effectiveness.

You can control cookie usage through your browser settings. Note that disabling certain cookies may affect website functionality.

6. Data Retention

Since we do not store your file data, there is no retention period for your CSV files. Any temporary data created during the merging process is automatically cleared when you close your browser or navigate away from the page.

Analytics data may be retained by third-party services according to their respective privacy policies, typically for 26 months for Google Analytics.

7. Your Rights

Under applicable data protection laws, you may have the following rights:

• Right to Access: Request information about data we may have about you
• Right to Rectification: Request correction of inaccurate data
• Right to Erasure: Request deletion of your data
• Right to Portability: Request transfer of your data
• Right to Object: Object to certain data processing activities
• Right to Withdraw Consent: Withdraw consent for data processing

Since we do not collect or store personal data or file content, most of these rights are automatically satisfied by our privacy-first design.

8. Children's Privacy

Our service is not specifically directed at children under 13 years of age. We do not knowingly collect personal information from children under 13. If you are a parent or guardian and believe your child has provided us with personal information, please contact us immediately.

9. International Data Transfers

Since all processing occurs in your browser, no international data transfers occur for your file data. However, analytics and advertising services may transfer data internationally according to their privacy policies.

10. Changes to This Privacy Policy

We may update this Privacy Policy from time to time to reflect changes in our practices or applicable laws. We will notify users of significant changes by:

• Posting the updated policy on our website
• Updating the "Last Updated" date
• Providing notice on our homepage for major changes

We encourage you to review this Privacy Policy periodically to stay informed about how we protect your privacy.

11. Legal Basis for Processing

Where applicable under GDPR and other data protection laws, our legal basis for processing includes:

• Legitimate Interest: For analytics and website improvement
• Consent: For advertising and non-essential cookies
• Legal Obligation: For compliance with applicable laws